God, we know that you see everything that happens in this world; nothing we pray about is news to you. Yet still we pray, asking that your peace and wisdom rest on us, and your presence transform our lives. 

We pray for those across the world and in our communities who are scared today; for those who face violence, because of where they live or where they work or who you have created them to be; for those whose future seems dark; for those whose anxiety eats away at them and who cannot find peace. Jesus, bring peace again, and Spirit, breathe courage into your children. Remind them they are not alone. 

We pray for those who hurt today; for the sick, the hungry, the abused, the grieving, the lonely. We pray for those who struggle with pain in body or mind or spirit. We pray for the compassionate, who hurt because the world hurts. Jesus, healer, comfort them. 

We pray for those who woke up angry today. We pray for those who feel excluded, overlooked, trapped. We pray for those who feel entitled, unappreciated, out of control. We pray that where anger leads to pain, you would bring peace, but that where anger leads to justice, you would bring wisdom. Jesus, table-turner, guide them. 

We pray for those who are full of hope today. We pray for those who are beginning new relationships, or careers, or working to get clean. We pray for those who see sprouts of your kingdom poking up through cracks in the sidewalk. We pray for those who are a light in the darkness. Strengthen them, Holy Spirit. 

These prayers we lift you always, that we might be attuned to the needs of your children. We also lift to you now the specific concerns of this day:

[specific concerns from the news may be spoken here]

We pray now for the concerns of this congregation…

[individual petitions of the congregation may be spoken here]

God, there is much we have forgotten to pray for today, yet we know that nothing escapes your notice. Direct our eyes this week, we pray, that we might come to know your heart more fully. 

We pray now as you taught your disciples, saying, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.